Murdoch University
Master of Applied Psychology in Clinical Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
Become a highly skilled clinical psychologist who can provide assessment, treatment, research and evaluation services at the individual and system levels.
Course overview
Suppose you’re working towards becoming a registered or clinical psychologist and have completed your fourth year. In that case, this course provides the education required to complete the 2-year higher degree pathway towards an endorsement in clinical psychology. If you already work as a registered psychologist, you’ll gain expertise in clinical practice through this course.
Clinical psychology focuses on a strict scientist-practitioner model that emphasises a systematic problem-solving approach that will prepare you with the skills you need for working with a diverse range of clients. You will learn how to apply your skills and knowledge in clinical psychology and work with individuals and groups across the lifespan.
You’ll learn through coursework, practicum, and research components, undertaking at least three practical placements to hone your skills in clinical psychology.
Three reasons to study a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical) at Murdoch
- Learn from leading academics and experienced clinicians committed to helping you succeed in your studies.
- Gain professional experience with clients through at least three practical placements, including our on-campus community-oriented psychology clinic and with external agencies.
- You can set up a network of valuable industry contacts through your external practical placement to open up employment opportunities when you graduate. Murdoch has arrangements with various service providers, including public and private hospitals, education providers, community mental health services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, disability services and more.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of Applied Psychology in Clinical Psychology, you are required to fulfil 46 credit points. Each unit is valued at three credit points.
- Clinical Psychology: Working with Health Problems
- Clinical Psychology: Internal Practicum I
- Clinical Psychology: Internal Practicum II
- Clinical Psychology: Working with Adults
- Clinical Psychology: Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Disability Across the Lifespan
- Clinical Psychology: External Practicum (12 credit points)
- Clinical Psychology: Advanced Research Methods
- Clinical Psychology Dissertation 1
- Clinical Psychology Dissertation 2
- Clinical Psychology Dissertation 3
- Psychological Assessment: Theory and Method
- Clinical Psychology: Working with Children and Families
- Psychotherapy in Practice
Entry requirements
Entry to this course is very competitive and requires a recognised and accredited Bachelor of Arts degree (or Bachelor of Science degree) with at least 2A Honours in Psychology or its equivalent (for example, an average Distinction level in a Bachelor of Psychology or Postgraduate/Graduate Diplomas in Psychology). Applicants will also need to supply referee reports and a personal statement that details their past accomplishments, plans and interests in the graduate psychology program for which they have applied as part of the admission process. Students with overseas qualifications who are accepted into the course and who wish to seek registration in Australia after graduation should ensure that their undergraduate qualifications meet the requirements of the relevant psychology registration board for equivalence to a four-year Australian degree in Psychology. Applications with qualifications obtained outside Australia must have a formal assessment completed by the Australian Psychological Society before applying to study. The admission process includes both an application and an interview.
English Requirements
To study at Murdoch, you must meet a minimum standard in English, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Years 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student or through English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Clinical assessment, interviewing, diagnosis and test administration.
- Psychotherapy and evidence-based practice in clinical psychology.
- There are various approaches for effectively working with children, families and adults in their social and cultural contexts.
- Clinical assessment and treatment of mental health problems, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities across the lifespan.
- Communicate effectively with other professionals in clinical planning, assessment and intervention implementation.
Career outcomes
Psychologists are emerging as highly employable professionals in contemporary health services, given their strong grounding in effective interventions, solid assessment skills and ability to devise and implement research. Clinical psychology remains the most popular area of practice endorsement within psychology, both in Australia and internationally.
You will be highly employable in various areas, including private practice as a registered psychologist or clinical psychologist and working in different public and private sector agencies in health, community mental health, justice, education and disabilities.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $33,960 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the current fee for the year that you enrol.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
